Trauma-Informed Training (FOI ref: 675/26)

Request 

I would be grateful if you could provide the following information in relation to training provided to police officers within your force.  

1. Trauma-Informed Training
2. a) Does your force provide training relating to trauma-informed practice or trauma awareness for police officers?  
3. b) If yes, please provide:  

• The name of the training programme  

• Whether it is delivered internally or by an external provider  

• The duration of the training and frequency of refreshers  

• Whether the training is mandatory or optional  

2. Training on Empathy or Communication with Vulnerable Individuals
3. a) Does your force provide training specifically focused on empathy, communication, or engagement with vulnerable individuals (for example victims of trauma, mental health crisis, or individuals with adverse childhood experiences)?  
4. b) If yes, please provide:  

• The name of the training programme  

• The duration of the training and refresher courses  

• Whether it is mandatory or optional  

3. Initial Police Officer Training
4. a) Is trauma-informed practice included within initial police officer training for new recruits?  
5. b) If so, please provide a brief description of how this is delivered (e.g. lectures, scenario-based training, online learning).  
6. Specialist Training

Does your force provide any specialist trauma-informed training for particular roles (for example safeguarding officers, domestic abuse investigators, or neighbourhood policing teams)?  

If yes, please provide brief details.  

5. Training hours
6. a) Approximately how many hours of training related to trauma, ACE’s, neurodiversity, vulnerability are provided during initial police training within your force?  
7. b) Approximately how many hours of training related to empathy, communication and engagement with vulnerable individuals are provided during initial police training within your force?  
8. c) if available, please provide a breakdown of training hours, dedicated to the following areas within initial police training and throughout policing career:  

• Vulnerability/safeguarding  

• Mental health and neurodiversity awareness  

• Trauma informed practice  

• Communication and empathy  

6. Training Materials or Guidance

If available, please provide any publicly shareable guidance documents, policy documents, or training outlines relating to trauma-informed policing or empathy-based approaches.  

This request is for academic research purposes only. I understand that some training materials may be exempt from disclosure; however, any summary information that can be provided would be greatly appreciated. 

Response 

Please find our response attached (675_Attachment.pdf). 

675_Attachment.pdf